“He’s energetic, he’s passionate, he’s a natural-born performer, and he’s ready to rock country music. Meet Bill Gentry.” These words are from Bill Gentry’s website – www.billgentrynation.com – and tell a great deal about this new artist.

Bill has been said to have a wonderful personality, great confidence, excellent business savvy and is an intelligent and dynamic, exuberant performer. He is the youngest of five children, all of whom are just as talented and creative. They grew up on a cattle farm in Carrollton, Georgia just a few miles north of Alan Jackson’s hometown and have apparently put Carrollton on the map as well, as among his siblings are a documentary film-maker, an award-winning writer, a Broadway performer and a pastry chef. Whew – now there is one heck of a lot of talented background in Bill Gentry’s Nation!

Now let’s get prepared to be “COUNTRIFIED” – OK? The first song on the same-titled album, “COUNTRIFIED” starts out with some good guitar and moves right into some good country music singing about swinging the hammer, dropping a line down into cool clear water and digging his way into an early grave. The song talks about concrete valleys, bumpers and taillights and he needs fresh air way up high where the eagles fly. This is a rocking country song that gets toes tapping and hips hitchin’ and makes you want to take off work and get to the country to get “COUNTRIFIED”!

Another song I particularly liked on this album is “Who’s Gonna Take Me Home”. The guitars are total rock but the song is completely country. This is a drinking song about being in a bar after too many Jagerbombs and his best friend leaving him behind without his car keys because he can’t drive. He’s wondering who is going to take him home as he stands in the men’s room with his head up against a cool concrete wall – hmm….how many out there have possibly been there before? This song just makes me smile. Next he wants to crowd into a bevy of young bachelorette gals in a booth and offers to close the bar down with them and asks “who’s gonna take me home”? Fun song!!

The “Little Grass Shack” is country rock about missing his woman who left and went to Cali to live in a little grass shack. He didn’t know he loved her until she left and he can hardly stand it because all he does is cry now that she’s gone. This tune is a lively little “jively” tune that reminds me a bit of the old Charleston days the way the music moves. It’s quick and fast and one I think you’ll enjoy.

Bill also sings a few love ballads on this album which shows a softer side of this impressive country rocker with all his energy. We should be hearing a lot really soon from this energetic artist – I for one will be looking for him!

You can check him out at www.BillGentryNation.com and also at www.myspace.com/billgentry, and he also has videos posted on his sites as well as on www.yallwire.com which carries his video “19” exclusively. He can also be found on YouTube. Happy viewing!

Calamity Annie – CMTT Music Contributor
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